Hi All

I will be using an Ethernet connected controller, (the UC300eth-5ltp*or the UC400eth*from CNC Drive http://www.shop.cncdrive.com/index.php?categoryID=114. Both have a large number of I/O (36/49 & 24/10 respectively) and using the UCCNC control software.
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Initial setup would be for a gantry router configuration (2 motors slaved together on the Y axis), a spindle & vfd, a wireless MPG, Up to 8 Limit/home proximity sensors, E-Stop and an auto tool height setter.

Looking at the generally available breakout boards (€20 - €60 range), they have the following I/O
¥ 5 x inputs
¥ 4 x outputs
¥ 4 or 5 x stepper drive connections.
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Both the UC300eth & UC400eth have a lot more I/O which will not be able to be used!

Now my questions

What are my options for making this configuration expandable beyond the initial I/O capability of the std parallel port breakout board?

Do I need to look at dual port products like the PMDX-126, the C62 - Dual Port Modular CNC Breakout Board & the C32 Dual Port Modular CNC Breakout Board?

Are the I/O used on the standard parallel port for stepper drive connections, (pins 1 through 12)http://www.cncroutersource.com/cnc-breakout-board.html able to be reused for another purpose?

Can I use two of the std parallel port breakout boards in my electronic configuration (assuming ping 1 through 12 can be repurposed)?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Regards